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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
3,528 comments Add your comment
ward
December 23rd, 2010
2:16 am
We have a better bull pen than the Phillies…..
uga-brave
December 23rd, 2010
2:18 am
kimbrell is going to be real good but that srike zone will bounce around.
ward
December 23rd, 2010
2:19 am
Kimbrel could be as good as Rob Dibble…..
uga-brave
December 23rd, 2010
2:19 am
BAS, you better jump in.
uga-brave
December 23rd, 2010
2:20 am
no way that is you?
uga-brave
December 23rd, 2010
2:22 am
it would break my heart.
Roman Gal
December 23rd, 2010
2:23 am
So you think I am a sap? Moe
Is this a trick question?
ward
December 23rd, 2010
2:23 am
uga-Brave: Have a good one, and peace budy……Nite All….
Moe Berg
December 23rd, 2010
2:27 am
RG–Just trying to clarify. Apparently, professors by you sad story. As a professor, am I to think that I am a gullible sap? I don’t know how else to interpret this?
Bay Area Steve
December 23rd, 2010
2:28 am
Yeah, uga, it’s me. You got me.
I’ve that kind of patience…
uga-brave
December 23rd, 2010
2:29 am
knew that, always curious though.
mr baseball
December 23rd, 2010
2:34 am
uga:
Even without Wagner, bullpen should be top notch next year. Team has 3 solid middle men (O’Flaherty, Moylan & Linebrink) and maybe 4 if Sherrill is anywhere close to what he was before last season.
Venters will set up & while he may not be as stellar as he was as rookie, anything close to that will be fine.
Wouldn’t sweat Kimbrel’s control issues. Anyone who thorws that hard from that arm angle is going to occasionally have trouble finding the plate, but it doesn’t appear it’s going to be a big deal. The guy can deal. His K numbers are off the charts.
Will be interesting to see if Fredi handles the ‘pen differently than Cox. If the 2 vets Wren added still have something in the tank, Fredi can mix and match late in the game and not run the same 3 or 4 guys into the ground like Cox did at times.
Wren still needs to fix the bench. Anybody got any thoughts or one or both of the Hairston brothers? Might make Heyward stand out a little less in the team picture.
uga-brave
December 23rd, 2010
2:35 am
steve, down to my last coppenahgen.
either way this rex ryan toes thing, reminds me of toes are not to be truffled with.
old school guys will remember that.
the poet jjs.
Roman Gal
December 23rd, 2010
2:37 am
Moe-
I didn’t say they were gullible saps. I merely said they were sympathetic.
Did you know there’s a spider on your ceiling?
Roman Gal
December 23rd, 2010
2:38 am
I’m not entirely sure what truffled toes would taste like…
uga-brave
December 23rd, 2010
2:43 am
ALWAYS, respect mr. baseball’s opinion. always.
just think when kimbrell walks a couple it might change.
the key to this bullpen last season was get to wags.
venters ate up the eighth. and when called on the seventh.
who will replace him in the eighth if he is the closer.
uga-brave
December 23rd, 2010
2:46 am
kimbrell from the right was nasty, add in venters.
for me john venters might of been the MVP on this team.
he aint a closer though.
closing is different.
uga-brave
December 23rd, 2010
2:49 am
venters is a set up guy. asking him to close will mess him up.
the best set up guy we have ever had. asking him to get the last three outs is different
ward
December 23rd, 2010
2:51 am
mr. baseball: Right on with that essay……Nite All
uga-brave
December 23rd, 2010
2:51 am
asking venters to close will be a huge mistake.
uga-brave
December 23rd, 2010
2:56 am
john venters was my favorite brave last season. the guy came out out of nowhere.
his cutter in on righthanders and his changeup away was nasty.
asking him to close will blow a strength.
getting to wags was our strength.
N8
December 23rd, 2010
3:00 am
“who will replace him in the eighth if he is the closer.” uga
This might be wishfull thinking, but if Venters is needed because Kimbrel can’t handle (mentaly) the closer’s role, then I would assume that one of Kimbrel, O’Flaherty or Moylan would turn into the 8th inning guy. I’m not really that worried about it.
As for Kimbrel’s walks?
In September, he made 12 appearances (11.1 IP), 23 K’s, 5 BB
Wagner?
In September, he made 14 appearances (13.2 IP), 25 K’s, 5 BB
If September is a sign of what Kimbrel can do? I’m stoked. His control for the final month, was damn near as good as Wagners, and his K rate was 18.27 per 9 IP. Wagner’s was 16.45 per 9 IP.
In those 14 appearances, Wagner gave up 5 hits. Combined with the 5 BB, that gave him a WHIP of 0.732
Kimbrel gave up 4 hits in his 11.1 IP, combined with the 5 BB, that gave him a WHIP of 0.794
Like I said. If that is ANY indication whatsoever? We’re in good shape.
I’m more worried about the mental strain of being the closer for a contender, than his stuff. He was flat out unhittable in September. As was Wagner.
At some point you have to go with what you got. Wagner walked away. Not much Wren can do about it. He could have traded for or signed a proven veteran closer. But if that would have meant not being able to take on Uggla’s salary? Sorry. I’ll go with Uggla’s bat everyday and Venters/Kimbrel closing over Infante and Prado in LF/2B and a veteran closer.
But that’s just me. I’m really high on Kimbrel and Venters though. I like the young guns. And in a worst case scenario, there are other guys to fall back on with plenty of experience getting tough outs in the 7th and 8th inning. Just gotta pray ONE of them (Kimbrel, Venters, Moylan, O’Flaherty, Linebrink, etc…) can get 3 outs in the 9th with relative ease on a consistent basis. I think a dark horse to look out for in the 7th/8th innings is Marek. Plenty removed from his surgery and the guy also has electric stuff from what I’ve read. Wouldn’t shock me if he’s the O’Flaherty/Venters of this season and comes out of “nowhere” to get tough outs.
I just really like that we still have some power arms down there.
uga-brave
December 23rd, 2010
3:04 am
N8, closing if different. go to a 2-0 count and let us see how he responds.
mr baseball
December 23rd, 2010
3:06 am
uga:
Kimbrel is gonna close, except maybe against a team like the Phillies with a boatload of LH hitters.
As good as Wagner was, the performances of the guys setting up for him were almost as vital last season. One of the reasons the Braves scored so many late come-from-behind wins was the work of Venters/Saito/Moylan/EOF/Dunn & Kimbrel keeping the team close in the 6th-7th-8th & in extras.
Unless Kimbrel’s control problems are severe, he’s gonna close and Venters will be the primary setup guy. Fredi just needs to not overwork him, which Cox did last year down the stretch. Before he got arm weary late, his ERA was 1.13 or something ridiculous like that.
Granted, Kimbrel didn’t pitch that many innings here, but it’s hard to beat a 0.44 ERA and 2 K’s per inning. I’m guessing we’re looking at the second coming of K-Rod.
If there’s a team in the majors with 2 young guys in the ‘pen with arms like the Venters & Kimbrel, I’d like to know who that is. The ‘pen ain’t gonna be a concern in ‘11.
N8
December 23rd, 2010
3:06 am
Sure it is uga.
You seem so concerned about it (not ragging on you, just asking), what would you have done about it if you’re Wren and you have those two arms down there?
uga-brave
December 23rd, 2010
3:12 am
actually n8, i would of paid for MFIKY. and been been able to go right and left.
late venters, and right kimbrel. then brought in the scwoll.
uga-brave
December 23rd, 2010
3:13 am
hows that?
mr baseball
December 23rd, 2010
3:13 am
N8:
No one other than me seems all that concerned about the bench. Braves need something better than Mather & Diory for the last 2 spots (assuming Conrad stays because of his bat).
With Hall gone, the choices are getting slim. Any thoughts on either or both of the Hairston brothers and maybe Andruw. Would be nice to have bench/platoon players who can occasionally launch one, like Hinske, Ross & Conrad.
uga-brave
December 23rd, 2010
3:16 am
he saved how many for tampa bay?
yeah internal payroll.
the last three outs are hard.
uga-brave
December 23rd, 2010
3:20 am
soriano saved what 40 plus last year.
if our internal payroll could allow.
would be nice late if we had strikeout guys from the left and the right.
N8
December 23rd, 2010
3:21 am
I know it’s completely different. But check out Kimbrel’s minor league numbers, even with the walks.
In 2009 (at 4 stops – 2 A teams, AA and AAA – only 2 IP at AAA), he had 18 saves (2.85 ERA), 60 IP, 45 BB (yikes), 30 hits (1.250 WHIP), and 103 K’s (15.4 SO/9).
In 2010 (AAA entire season until callup), he had 23 saves, (1.62 ERA), 55.2 IP, 35 BB (better, but still YIKES), 28 hits (1.132 WHIP), and 83 K’s, (13.4 SO/9).
I already pointed out that he had only 5 BB in 11.1 IP in September. His total for the year was 16 BB in 20.2 IP. Meaning, in his first 11.1 IP before September, he had 11 of those 16 BB.
His control has gotten better every step of the way, his K rate was actually better in the majors (17.4 SO/9 for entire year with Atlanta), than it was in AAA last year, and obviously the lightbulb went on in September (hanging around Wagner?).
The kid is 22 years old and improving as he goes. Like I said, saving games in AAA is much different than doing it in Philly with 45,000 people in the stands cheering for you to fail.
But if he could still manage 23 saves in 43 appearances, while walking 35 guys at AAA? I think he’s got the mentality and stuff to do it with the big club.
Don’t get me wrong. I think there will be bumps in the road. 2012 will probably be where he really hits his stride as a closer with one year on the job under his belt. But look at Feliz.
In 2009 in AAA, he made 25 appearances (13 starts), had zero saves (wasn’t used as closer), had 30 walks in 75 innings, and 75 K’s. Got called up later in 2009 (again wasn’t used as a closer) and DOMINATED.
20 appearances in the Texas pen in 2009, 31 IP, 39 K’s, 8 BB (0.677 WHIP) and a 1.74 ERA.
ZERO closing experience and 31 innings of big league experience in the bullpen in 2009. I’d say it worked out alright for him. Granted, he never had the BB issues that Kimbrel had in the minors (hard to compare since he was starting – Kimbrel was ALWAYS being groomed to close), but he also was never the K machine (and still isn’t – 9.2 SO/9 last year in 69.1 IP).
SO it’s not like it’s unheard of, and based on what Kimbrel showed in September, I’d say he’s just as “ready” to be the closer for a contender as Feliz was.
Time will tell. Obviously I hope I’m right. I assume you do too.
uga-brave
December 23rd, 2010
3:28 am
you guys better be worried about this bullpen because we aint got one starter that goes more then seven.
N8
December 23rd, 2010
3:29 am
“would be nice late if we had strikeout guys from the left and the right.” uga
I really think this is where Marek comes in.
50.1 IP for AAA Gwynnett last year, 56K (10 SO/9) and 18 BB (1.132 WHIP), 1.43 ERA and he saved 9 games. I assume he was closing after Kimbrel was up for good (I could be wrong, but I couldn’t find minor league game logs).
Not as dynamic as 17.4 SO/9 like Kimbrel. But over a K per IP.
N8
December 23rd, 2010
3:30 am
“you guys better be worried about this bullpen because we aint got one starter that goes more then seven.”
I give up. Goodnight.
N8
December 23rd, 2010
3:44 am
One final note on your “guys that don’t go more than seven” comment.
We don’t have guys that go more than seven very often. But we’ve got guys that fairly consistently get THROUGH 7 IP.
If Jair returns to 2009 health/form, that’s going to be a good thing. I expect Hanson to progress (he only made it through 7 IP 11 times last year – Hudson did it 20 times). In 2009, Jair made it through 7 IP 18 times.
Lowe is the one who more often than not goes around 5-6 innings. Minor is a little unknown. Can’t imagine they’d push him unless he’s getting outs on low pitch counts. But then again, as the 5th starter, his innings shouldn’t be an issue either.
But I expect Hudson one more year removed from TJ surgery to have a little more stamina and will be asked to go deeper, earlier in the year.
My point is as follows. If the starters can consistently get through 7 IP, between the arms in the bullpen (if one of them can close consistently), the pen preserving the final 2 IP (maybe even 2+ innings if a starter can’t complete the 7th inning), shouldn’t be much more issue than last year.
On the nights where the starters aren’t lasting beyond 5 innings? One can only assume that we’re trailing in those games, so at that point you’re probably asking a “long-man” to hold down the fort for the offense to have a chance to comeback. Not preserve a lead pitching pressure packed innings. Common sense really.
It all comes down to Kimbrel being able to handle the closer role. If he does, we STILL have Venters for the 8th, and the arms to “match up” in the 7th and possibly 6th inning if needed.
I’m still WAY more worried about the defense, than I am about the pen or closer. Won’t matter how deep the starters go, or how Kimbrel does if guys don’t catch the ball.
NOW I’m going to bed.
VOR
December 23rd, 2010
6:56 am
BAS:
Thanks for the shout out at 1:40a. Carolina Lady, Gil, Berigan, Salty, Klobber, and FBG can still be found over at the other place. I know Gil still pops in over here from time to time. I haven’t heard a peep out of jjs, Bob, SJA or SG in quite a while. I still keep up over here, I just don’t post alot.
richbrave
December 23rd, 2010
8:25 am
MaggieBrockhouse:
WTF?
How long have you known these guys MAGGIE?
richbrave
December 23rd, 2010
8:32 am
Haven’t read uga-brave comments for awhile. Now I know why.
Efrim
December 23rd, 2010
8:39 am
uga-brave, thanks for the compliments. You’re too kind. I enjoy reading your overnight posts as well.
Mutts
December 23rd, 2010
9:12 am
Phillies think they have “4 aces” in their starting rotation. Maybe that will compensate for the “4 jokers” in their bullpen. GO BRAVES!
DAP
December 23rd, 2010
9:28 am
BAS Anybody got any thoughts or one or both of the Hairston brothers? Might make Heyward stand out a little less in the team picture.
that made me laugh.
richbrave venters ate up the eighth. and when called on the seventh.
who will replace him in the eighth if he is the closer.
i dont think venters will close, but if he does, weve got linebrink and kimbrel for the 8th. we also have moylan to match up against righties and sherril to match up against lefties. i bet o’flarety could set up to, at least sometimes. to me, the only thing our ‘pen doesnt have, is defined roles…which could be a good thing. they are real good down there, very talented, and its a deep pen.
Efrim
December 23rd, 2010
9:37 am
to me, the only thing our ‘pen doesnt have, is defined roles…
I wonder who the long man will be. I guess it’s looking like Scott Proctor, although I don’t remember him ever having that role before. If his contract is a swing contract, then maybe Christian Martinez beats him out for the last spot.
P-Town Brave ©
December 23rd, 2010
9:41 am
Morning all…
After leaving as usual at 5CT, I browsed through the blog and got to this 15th page and noticed a whole lot of novel reading from the resident novelist N8
Nice to see people discussing something useful like the pen, and not trading BMac or JHey or the like…
BTW, anyone hoping they get Dan Uggla’s contract extension gift wrapped for Christmas? (i do)
What’s everyone doing for the holiday anyways?
Glord1
December 23rd, 2010
9:42 am
The Phils should win the east. Their rotation is unreal but….. It’s baseball and anything can happen.
If I was a Philly fan I would be overjoyed with the Lee signing but worried about a few things.
1. The cupboard is pretty bare in the minors. That means when this run ends itbcould end with a thud. Also not a lot of prospects to add depth if there is injuries.
2. Right and left field. Ibanez is nearing the end and could be hurt or ineffective most of the year. Brown is still a kid in right and might not be ready.
3. No Jayson Werth. He was one heck of a performer for 3 years and leaves them with no RH power. The lose of Werth will hurt big time.
4. They are out of cash. Fornthe first time in a while they may be hamstrung from making any major moves this year.
5. Injuries. Utley and Howard seem to get hurt every year now. Rollins is a shadow of what he was in the past. I think they could have a lot of field players hurt again and if anyone goes down in the rotation they don’t have the farm pieces to trade or bring up to fill the spot.
The Phills are better than the Braves but it’s baseball and I think with a little luck and a few injuries it could still be a race this year.
Glord1
December 23rd, 2010
9:46 am
Trickster – is there a choice D. All of the above.
Trickster
December 23rd, 2010
9:48 am
I’m just gonna hang out at home over the holidays and watch a bunch of football. I thought about crashing Southern Cali. catching some waves and partying with the Stones (Spicoli reference from Fast Times At Ridgemont High)
Trickster
December 23rd, 2010
9:49 am
Nice Glord1 !
Trickster
December 23rd, 2010
9:51 am
Phillies have 4 aces and Braves have 2 aces,a king,and a jack.
Braveheart
December 23rd, 2010
9:57 am
Venters is more of the sure thing and proven commodity, so I’d rather he close initially even though he’s more valuable in the 7th and 8th. He’s shown he doesn’t get too full of himself when things are going good, and doesn’t get too down when things are going against him. Kimbrel is just so unknown right now. I’d rather he prove himself as a major league reliever, and then take over the closer role when he’s earned it. Kimbrel could be a spectacular phenomenon as a closer, but he could also be a spectacular flameout with those troubling walk rates. The safer thing to me would be to make him earn it rather than hand it to him. I’d like to see Kimbrel avoid being Devine’d as much as possible.
Glord1
December 23rd, 2010
10:00 am
On the flip side now that I have done a glass half empty on the Phills here is my glass half full on the Braves.
1. Rotation should be better if healthy. People forget the year JJ had in 09. You could put it up against any pitcher in baseball. If he is healthy and everyone else stays that way this rotation could be up there with SF and just a step behind Philly. Beachy and Minor add great depth.
2. Bullpen is going to be nasty. A huge advantage on Philly. Anyone worried about Venters needs to understand that most scouts think his stuff is up there with any reliever in baseball. Kimbrel has been dominant at every level his whole life. The rest of the pen is great as well.
3. The offense has only two worries. CF and 3G. If Nate give the braves .260 18 and 70 and Chipper gives .280 15 and 70 the Braves are going to score a lot of runs.
4. Uggla gives the Braves a new dimension from the right side.
5. JHey might explode this this year.
I believe the Braves could win 90-94 games this year.
DAP
December 23rd, 2010
10:05 am
braveheart I’d like to see Kimbrel avoid being Devine’d as much as possible.
cant happen. devine was brought up in big spots the same summer he was drafted. kimbrel has been pitching pro ball for three years, and has been groomed as a closer from day one. kimbrel isnt being rushed…its the natural next step.
DAP
December 23rd, 2010
10:11 am
its great to see what our favorite players do with their fame and fortune. this is mccann being a good steward of what he has:
http://www.macon.com/2010/12/22/1386020/a-gift-to-always-remember.html?storylink=addthis
Glord1
December 23rd, 2010
10:20 am
What a great story about Brian McCann who is one of baseballs true good guys.
TommyP
December 23rd, 2010
10:27 am
DOB: What are the chances the Braves wait ’til the latter part of spring training to see what they have as far as the utility and backup OF spots are concerned?
To see how the in-house candidates fare and also see what other players are made available as final cuts are made?
My thinking is 90% unless Wren is presented a great scenario in the meantime.
P-Town Brave ©
December 23rd, 2010
10:33 am
Outstanding article about BMac…
Just proof that he’s not only an All-Star on the field, but an even better person off it.
TommyP
December 23rd, 2010
10:34 am
Also, as the Braves get around to the Uggla extension, how often does a player in MLB get a contract that is “front-loaded” in salary? That is instead of salaries escalating throughout the life of the deal to keep up with cost-of-living, it starts out with more money and then decreases somewhat?
Along those lines of thinking, a 5-year deal with salaries of $14 mil, $14 mil, $12 mil, $10 mil, $10 mil? I know this isn’t commonplace but wondered how often that works in MLB?
CraZyTRaDeMaN
December 23rd, 2010
10:38 am
Ken Davidoff: 2011 HOF ballot
http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/ken-davidoff-s-baseball-insider-1.1278117/my-2011-hall-of-fame-ballot-1.2564041
DAP
December 23rd, 2010
10:40 am
tommyp how often does a player in MLB get a contract that is “front-loaded” in salary?
happens pretty close to never and one reason is the player’s union. best way to do that is a signing bonus. make the yearly salary a little smaller, and bulk up a signing bonus. then you could agree to pay the signing bonus in the first two years or something. its a loophole, but that way the players annual salary doesnt technically go down.
P-Town Brave ©
December 23rd, 2010
10:40 am
Very rare that happens TommyP…
They usually backload the salary to offset any higher current salaries (in our case Chipper, DLowe) and that way then Uggs would get more cash when those salaries are off the books.
UKUGA
December 23rd, 2010
10:48 am
So, lots of activity this week-end? Trades, signings, that kind of thing?
Braveheart
December 23rd, 2010
10:50 am
cant happen. devine was brought up in big spots the same summer he was drafted. kimbrel has been pitching pro ball for three years, and has been groomed as a closer from day one. kimbrel isnt being rushed…its the natural next step.
Can’t happen?!?!?!? It’s not possible that the kid will be rushed into a situation he does not yet have the ability for? And with those walk rates, he might not have the ability. And if he goes out there and walks the park night after night for the first month, and gets yanked from the closer role and demoted back down to the minors because of his failures, then you’ve possibly got another Devine on your hands. The kid hasn’t proven a damn thing in the majors. Nothing. No, DAP, the next natural step is for him to prove that he’s a competent major league reliever before he gets handed the closer role.
Mixxo
December 23rd, 2010
10:51 am
pffft…..the only “ample” thing we have are the sizes of teh blogging wimminz butts!!!
UKUGA
December 23rd, 2010
10:57 am
Speaking of deferred salary.
Anyone remember this from back in the summer?
http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/mlb/news/story?id=5419742
Former Texas Rangers and current New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez filed an objection to the Rangers’ bankruptcy plan Wednesday over concerns about whether he would receive the $24.9 million he’s owed in deferred compensation.
Rodriguez’s attorney, Joe Wielebinski of Dallas, said in the filing that his client is objecting “out of an abundance of caution due to the potential uncertainties in the plan.” The Rangers went into Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late May.
Other former players among the list of creditors include Kevin Millwood ($12.9 million); Vicente Padilla ($1.7 million); Mickey Tettleton ($1.4 million); and Mark McLemore ($970,051.97).
Reid Adair
December 23rd, 2010
10:58 am
Frank Wren talks a great game. It’s too bad that his actions during his career as the Braves’ GM have proven his talk is just that.
Efrim
December 23rd, 2010
11:00 am
Braveheart, did you like “True Grit” more than “No Country for Old Men”?
LJ
December 23rd, 2010
11:04 am
Davidoff typical New York, I don’t see much in his thinking.
Braveheart
December 23rd, 2010
11:04 am
Efrim, I liked No Country For Old Men alot more than True Grit, but I thought True Grit was pretty good.
Efrim
December 23rd, 2010
11:07 am
Thanks. Probably going to see it tonight or tomorrow.
P-Town Brave ©
December 23rd, 2010
11:14 am
UKUGA-
Mickey Tettleton and Mark McLemore…
WOW…those are a couple names I hadn’t heard in quite some time…
Still owing those guys 2.5M may be a bigger reason of bankruptcy than even the money they owe ARod and Millwood…(sadly)…then again the amount of figures to the other two is just absurd…especially Millwood…YIKES!
P-Town Brave ©
December 23rd, 2010
11:15 am
Braveheart-
See, I myself didn’t really like No Country, and thought the ending was dumb…
So that doesn’t help me…
Then again my favorite two movies of 2010 were Knight & Day and Inception…
So maybe its just a difference in taste.
richbrave
December 23rd, 2010
11:15 am
DAP
December 23rd, 2010
9:28 am
“……..richbrave venters ate up the eighth. and when called on the seventh.
who will replace him in the eighth if he is the closer……….”
Quoting the wrong guy pal. I’ll reserve my observations about VENTERS’ and KIMBRELL’s effectiveness until I see what they do on the field. My only take on the 2011 edition is that the pitching is equal to the Phillies when you include the bull-pen, the bench is at least as good maybe better depending on who fills it out and our first five position players are better than the PHILLIES first five. I’ve said over and over the separation bertween the two teams will be the six-seven slots in the order and the defense. Depends on RUIZ- IBANEZ vs. JONES-McLOUTH, at this point anyway. Otherwise, I like our chances in 2011.
richbrave
December 23rd, 2010
11:18 am
P-Town Brave ©
December 23rd, 2010
11:15 am
Braveheart-
“…….See, I myself didn’t really like No Country, and thought the ending was dumb…”
Agreed on the ending at least, but it didf bring up the bloodlust-fear in me otherwise.
DAP
December 23rd, 2010
11:20 am
braveheart Can’t happen?!?!?!? It’s not possible that the kid will be rushed into a situation he does not yet have the ability for?
a situation comparable to joey devine’s is impossible, yes. at least not one that I would compare to joey devine.
DAP
December 23rd, 2010
11:21 am
sorry richbrave, that was uga-brave that said that. my bad.
David O'Brien
December 23rd, 2010
11:22 am
DOB: What are the chances the Braves wait ’til the latter part of spring training to see what they have as far as the utility and backup OF spots are concerned?
To see how the in-house candidates fare and also see what other players are made available as final cuts are made?
My thinking is 90% unless Wren is presented a great scenario in the meantime. — TommyP
At this point, I’d say there’s a very good chance he’ll wait to do something in the spring, if he decides it’s necessary. Of course, that could change with one phone call from a GM who’s suddenly got an offer that intrigues Wren and his staff. But I do think they’re fully prepared to go to spring training with what they have, rather than make a move for a player who fits in their budget but isn’t clearly an upgrade over what’s available in-house.
David O'Brien
December 23rd, 2010
11:26 am
Trickster: real classy. a joke that includes lip cancer. sorry to ruin your moment by deleting it.
DAP
December 23rd, 2010
11:27 am
a situation comparable to joey devine’s is impossible,
sorry, braveheart, i meant to say “a situation comparable to joey devine’s ISNT possible.”
richbrave
December 23rd, 2010
11:29 am
DAP
December 23rd, 2010
11:21 am
sorry richbrave, that was uga-brave that said that. my bad.
My man, cool. Come on MOE we want more details on WHY you got locked inside the MONTMATRE cemetary after hours.
Travis
December 23rd, 2010
11:33 am
DOB & Carrol, Thanks for the hard work you both put in this year. Wish you and your families and all the bloggers very a happy holiday. I won’t be here in Atlanta for the big snow event on christmas but wish everyone a white christmas! Peace on Earth.
David O'Brien
December 23rd, 2010
11:35 am
you guys better be worried about this bullpen because we aint got one starter that goes more then seven — uga-brave
Tim Hudson ranked fourth in the NL in innings pitched (228-2/3), behind Halladay (250-2/3), Chris Carpenter (235) and Adam Wainwright (230-1/3).
Tommy Hanson ranked 17th with 202-2/3 innings, and Derek Lowe was 28th with 193-2/3. So that’s three starters among the top 28 in a 16-team league.
Glord1
December 23rd, 2010
11:36 am
It must be nice for Wren to be pretty much done with this team by Christmas. I would say he has done a great job with what he had to work with financially and has given the Braves fans what every fan base wants…….a chance to be a playoff team.
jeffrey d
December 23rd, 2010
11:39 am
I think some people in this fan base won’t be happy until we sweep the All Star roster
Glord1
December 23rd, 2010
11:40 am
DOB – how do you think the Braves front office( or players) took the news of the Lee signing? It had to be deflating in some regards. Do you still sense confidence for next year?
ALL IS LOST
December 23rd, 2010
11:41 am
Just read that Melky was the worst outfielder in baseball last year offensively and defensively. How did the Braves make the playoffs with sporatic or no production from center, left, first and shortstop. Pitching really does trump hitting. The 2011 Braves with Martin in left and first no worse than last year have to be at least a run better on offence and the picthing should be close.
Glord1
December 23rd, 2010
11:43 am
If Martin can catch a fly ball (I’m sure that wont be a problem) his bat in LF will be a refreshing change after the last two years.
Efrim
December 23rd, 2010
11:45 am
I think it’s fair for people to have concerns about the bullpen, bench and defense. I don’t think starting pitching and offense should be a problem with this team. The bench went from Infante, Diaz and Cabrera to Mather, Hernandez and Young(potentially). Infante and Diaz were two strong members of a bench and I think it’s going to be pretty damn hard for Mather and Diory(if that’s who makes it) to repeat their 2010 value. I know Infante was a starter midway through 2010, but I think you get what I mean.
P-Town Brave ©
December 23rd, 2010
11:48 am
All is Lost-
TRUST ME, anyone who watched the Braves v Reds Saturday FOX game in Cincy this past year knows that Melky was the worst OF in baseball…
DAP
December 23rd, 2010
11:49 am
efrim Infante and Diaz were two strong members of a bench and I think it’s going to be pretty damn hard for Mather and Diory(if that’s who makes it) to repeat their 2010 value.
you are very right, but our hope has to be that the bench isnt need much because none of our guys sees the DL. hinske will be a big piece, but hopefully he is the only guy that gets used regularly.
David O'Brien
December 23rd, 2010
11:53 am
Glord1: You must not have seen any of the stories right after the Lee signing, quoting Braves players and the GM. The answer is no, I’ve heard nothing from any player or front-office official, on or off record, to indicate that anyone is “deflated” by the Lee signing.
DAP
December 23rd, 2010
11:56 am
glord1, they aint shook.
P-Town Brave ©
December 23rd, 2010
12:03 pm
DOB-
Um, would they really be honest and tell you anyways though, even if they were?
I mean isn’t that a hush hush keep it to yourself type of thing, even if the sky were falling?
David O'Brien
December 23rd, 2010
12:12 pm
Um, would they really be honest and tell you anyways though, even if they were?
I mean isn’t that a hush hush keep it to yourself type of thing, even if the sky were falling? — P-Town Brave
Don’t know what to tell ya, P-Town Brave. I said “on or off record.” Sounds like you’re going to think what you will, regardless of my response to the question. That’s cool. I understand that.
Um, how can I put this…. Let’s just say, most players don’t react to things like this quite like some fans do, with the same fears, concerns or emotional reactions. Or the borderline obsession. If they did, if their confidence was that easily swayed or diminished, such players probably wouldn’t be where they are today.
GTSteve
December 23rd, 2010
12:18 pm
DAP…did we get started on those….”We aint shook” Tshirts yet
Travis
December 23rd, 2010
12:23 pm
MLB players are going to get paid for the term of their contract no matter what level of competition they face. I remember it being more fun to face the better pitchers just to have bragging rights if you succeeded. Maddox had horrible stats against Tony Gwynn and it was kind of a standing joke between them. Kinda like Warren Sapp and Brett Farve. It was fun for these guys. Baseball is what these guys do not who they are.
P-Town Brave ©
December 23rd, 2010
12:25 pm
DOB-
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not gonna jump off the bridge or even head that way like some already have…
I just would figure that some guys even if they were down would keep that to themselves…
And obviously, if you don’t hear it or know about it, you can’t report it…so thats nothing on you…
BTW, I didn’t catch a score…how did your Jayhawks do last night?
I was at my Bradley game.
Travis
December 23rd, 2010
12:25 pm
Baseball is what these guys do not who they are…Sorry, that didn’t even make sense to me and I wrote it.
Glord1
December 23rd, 2010
12:25 pm
DOB – I saw the article. Just wondering what your fell was. Thanks.
DAP
December 23rd, 2010
12:30 pm
GTSteve did we get started on those….”We aint shook” Tshirts yet
i havent heard of any, but id love to have one.
David O'Brien
December 23rd, 2010
12:31 pm
Glord1: I think the article Carroll wrote, and one that Bowman wrote, reflect what the players and front office feel — the Phillies have a hell of a pitching staff, and the Braves already knew they’d be tough to beat. But they believe they have a team that can beat them, if they [Braves] do what they’re capable of doing. There is none of the doom/gloom that some fans — some, certainly not all fans — have expressed since the signing and continue to express daily.
O.J.
December 23rd, 2010
12:33 pm
Do people really feel that the Braves players are deflated about the Cliff Lee signing? Really? They play a game called baseball, where anything can happen from one day to the next. Sure the Phillies starting rotation got better, but their offense took a hit and their bullpen stinks. The Braves know they can compete cause they have a solid rotation, a formidable bullpen, and added a huge bat in Uggla.
The Braves shouldnt be in the least sense running around screaming that the sky is falling, if anything, they are probably chomping at the bit to see what their new look lineup can do to that staff.